Law enforcement in Sacramento are investigating a violent incident that broke out late Saturday at Howe Park while law enforcement were dissolving an unauthorized event of hundreds of attendees.
What Led to the Shooting
Sacramento County law enforcement were first dispatched to the Arden-Arcade park just after 6:30 Saturday evening after receiving reports of persons possibly in possession of concealed weapons. Not long after, additional information came in regarding a potential altercation occurring near the park.
Air support scanned the area from the air but found nothing to substantiate the fight report. Nevertheless, it was evident that a massive group had come together at the location in an unauthorized manner.
The Shooting Itself
Responding units moved to clear the area by forming a perimeter and using their vehicle PA systems directing the assembled crowd to vacate the area. Nearly 15 minutes were allowed for people to comply.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that upwards of 20 gunshots rang out. The barrage of gunfire sent hundreds fleeing. Deputies quickly moved to identifying shooting victims.
Four Gunshot Victims
In total, four people were confirmed as gunshot victims. Those injured — a group here of one female and three male victims ranging in age through their in their mid to late twenties — were taken to local Sacramento hospitals. Emergency physicians stated that two victims were in serious condition, one of the four had moderate gunshot wounds, and one person's injuries were considered minor. As of last report, all four victims survived and were stable.
Metro Fire Sacramento were called to the scene and helped triage the injured prior to hospital transport.
The Investigation
The bulk of the shooting was confirmed to have been concentrated near the Cottage Way side of the park adjacent to the local Home Depot located at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Crime scene investigators found additional shell casings throughout the Cottage Way area. Round impacts were identified in the wrought iron fence near the Home Depot. The physical evidence confirmed that at least one of the shooters had been shooting in a southerly direction from Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot building and parking lot. The store itself was put under lockdown while law enforcement worked the area. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives remained on scene for hours.
Suspect Information
Information relayed over police scanner frequencies showed that a Kia was pulled over in the Solano County area. Four people were held for questioning. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to Solano County to transport the detainees for further questioning. Video reviewed at the scene established that two individuals had fired weapons.